Unlocking the Secrets: What Makes Jewelry Truly Waterproof?

Jewelry has been a favorite way to accessorize. It is a symbol of beauty and elegance. But are you aware that not all the jewelry you have are waterproof? Unfortunately, one of the quickest ways for jewelry to lose its shine and get damaged is its constant exposure to water.

In many cases, this is not intentional, as it is very easy to forget to take off your jewelry whenever you are showering, doing the dishes, exercising, swimming, etc. Did you also know that even sweat can cause jewelry to tarnish? This is why many are constantly going to the jeweler to get their jewelry re-polished. 

Waterproof jewelry is a combination of design, beauty, and resiliency. Using materials that are known to be highly durable and coatings enhance their shine and luster.

This brings about the question many people ask, “What makes jewelry truly waterproof?” This article will unlock the secrets behind everything you know about waterproof jewelry.

A Brief on Waterproof Jewelry

Waterproof jewelry has been around for a while, but only a few know of its existence or believe the claim that it can be exposed to water without damage. This is because it is a widely known phenomenon that water and metals don’t go well together as they can tarnish easily. It is for this reason that people are advised to take off their jewelry when doing the dishes, showering, or going for a swim. 

Leaving many to ask, “Is there really waterproof jewelry?” “If yes, does it really work?” “What is the secret behind it being waterproof?” “What sets it aside from other regular jewelry?”

It is important to note that the claim behind waterproof jewelry is true and does work as its name implies – waterproof. Waterproof jewelry is designed to withstand exposure to water without getting damaged. It can be said to be tarnish-proof.

Whether you are going for a swim, dancing in the rain, taking a shower, or washing, you don’t have to fear damaging your jewelry.

What Makes Jewelry Waterproof – The Secret Behind It

There are so many factors that go into making jewelry waterproof, withstand the test of time, and maintain its shine and beauty. These include:

Type of Material Used

The materials used in creating waterproof jewelry are one of the biggest secrets. It is no secret that various materials are used in the creation of jewelry, many of which are prone to tarnishing. 

However, materials such as sterling silver, stainless steel, titanium, and platinum are used for waterproof jewelry.

Stainless Steel

This material is one of the front-runners and most durable and commonly used material for waterproof pieces of jewelry. Having a composition of chromium, nickel, iron, etc., stainless steel doesn’t rust, oxidize, or turn green. It is highly sustainable, medically graded, resistant to corrosion, tarnish-free, and color-fading resilient. Jewelry made of stainless steel can be worn in the shower, in the pool, and when washing dishes.

Fun fact: Cartier and Rolex watches are made from stainless steel.

Platinum

If stainless steel comes at No. 1, this is No. 2. Jewelry made from platinum is waterproof. While they are more expensive than stainless steel and sterling silver, they are durable, tarnish-free, and do not oxidize.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is undoubtedly higher, stronger, and more durable than silver. Due to its combination of alloys like brass, copper, etc., and silver, sterling silver can survive longer in water than silver can. 

However, it requires more care as it is softer than platinum and stainless steel.

Titanium

Titanium is known to be one of the purest and hardest materials used in jewelry making. Of the three materials listed above, it is the most expensive and hard-to-find material for jewelry.

Big Question: Which stands out or wins of the four materials? Stainless steel. This is because its properties make it sustainable, durable, corrosion resistant, color-fading resilient, and react less to water.

The Sealing Techniques

In many of the jewelry available in the market, tiny gaps and holes are placed for air to pass through during its making. However, they also serve as entry points for water to get in. The more water goes in, the more damaged it gets. 

This is where it is different for waterproof pieces of jewelry. Every gap and hole that could serve as water entryways is sealed off using specialized sealing techniques, such as precision soldering, advanced adhesives, and laser welding. 

These sealing techniques create precise and effective water-blocking seams that allow the jewelry to survive in water for a long time.

The Plating or Coating Process

This is one of the most essential aspects that makes jewelry waterproof. Unlike traditional gold or silver plating used for regular jewelry, the coating or plating of waterproof pieces of jewelry is different and more advanced. The coating process involves the use of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). 

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is the most advanced coating process available. It includes a chemical called titanium nitride that provides an extremely durable coating and more gold color and shine. It is ten times (10x) stronger, tougher, color-fading resilient, and remains vibrant and unaffected by water, showers, or sweat.

Common Misconceptions about Waterproof Jewelry

One of the most common misconceptions among jewelry users is that they believe jewelry made from gemstones and peals is susceptible to water. This is very far from the truth. Pearls and gemstones are highly vulnerable to water.

Another common misconception is that jewelry made from pure gold is waterproof. However, many don’t know that the purer the gold, the softer the material becomes. This makes it easily damaged by constant exposure to water.

Last but not least, many believe stainless steel rusts more, and aside from Titanium, it is more expensive. However, stainless steel is the best material used for waterproof jewelry. Its composition and ability to accept the coating or plating process make it a commonly used metal for waterproof jewelry. Also, it is one of the most affordable.

Conclusion

Now you know the secrets behind waterproof jewelry. Waterproof jewelry is what Pealory specializes in. You can now wear your favorite jewelry rings, earrings, layered necklaces, and bracelets without fear of tarnishing, fading, greening, or losing their shine.